Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a brand-new original animated sitcom from BBC Studios Kids & Family.
The magical series follows seven-year-old Rafi Martin, a determined young wizard learning to use her very own wishing wand. But there’s one twist: Rafi can only make one wish a day and it always runs out, usually when she least expects it.
Unusually for a kid’s animation, the action is set not in some fantasy land of dragons and fairies, or space, or even a fictional whimsical village, but rather in modern-day Manchester, a somewhat prosaic setting for a new cartoon: “Set in present-day Manchester, the series follows Rafi as she encounters everyday situations with a magical twist,” executive producer Tom Cousins explained.
“From wishing for rocket shoes on the way to school to wishing you were mermaids in the swimming pool, the show takes ordinary moments and turns them into something extraordinary. At its core, it’s a classic family sitcom, driven by magic, surprise and plenty of heart.”
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In fact, Cousins explains that the everyday setting actually adds to the fantastical qualities of the show’s lead: “Another thing that makes Rafi different is that she’s a normal kid in Manchester who just happens to be a wishing wizard. It’s that mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary that gives the show its spark.”
The choice of location was a deliberate one, the producer explained: “It’s a city that’s close to my heart, but it also gives makes the world feel specific and familiar to UK audiences. It also invites you to imagine what might happen if these stories took place in your own life? What if you could zoom to school on a waterslide, turn into a cat for a day or meet a friendly dinosaur in your local museum? The series also features a loving two-dad family at its centre, brought to life with warmth and humour by Mollie, Kieron and Muzz.
“Above all, I hope the show stands out for its warmth, humour and heart.”
Beth Gardiner, commissioning editor for CBeebies, added: “Characters and stories that reflect our young audience and their families is at the heart of everything we do at CBeebies.
“We are very proud that this series is set in Manchester and know that it will resonate with children and families across the country. This series celebrates the warmth of family and friends and shines a light on our audiences’ wishes and the magic of everyday moments.
“Animation has a unique ability to reach audiences of all ages, and our commitment to championing homegrown creativity has never been stronger. We can’t wait for the CBeebies audience to meet Rafi.”
Rafi the Wishing Wizard is created by executive producer Tom Cousins and directed by Sean McCormack. The series is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and will air on CBeebies in the UK, with international distribution handled by BBC Studios.
The show airs on CBeebies, and is available on iPlayer now.
